JOINT STATEMENT - Regjeringen.no · Denmark will redeploy F16 fighter jets, a C130J transport...

15
U.S.-NORDIC LEADERS’ SUMMIT JOINT STATEMENT Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States reaffirm our deep partnership based on shared fundamental values. Democracy, the rule of law, gender equality, respect for human rights, and the protection and equal treatment of all people without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity unite the Nordic countries and the United States and serve as a natural basis for our cooperation. Transparency, accountability and good governance, strong market economies, free trade, shared prosperity, open space for civil society, and sustainable development are keys to political stability and social well-being. We reaffirm our commitment to pursue these values and objectives and to work together to encourage other countries to do the same. Building on the U.S.-Nordic meeting in 2013 in Stockholm, today we have pledged to deepen our cooperation on key international issues related to security and defense; migration and refugees; climate, energy and the Arctic; and economic growth and global development. Security and Defense The Nordic countries and the United States stress the importance of upholding the European security order and the fundamental principles of international law. Our countries are committed to strengthening investments in defense and military capabilities, as well as in diplomacy and regional cooperation, commensurate with a more challenging security environment. The Nordic countries greatly value the United States' commitment to Europe and its security. NATO remains key to transatlantic and European security, and the contributions of Sweden and Finland, including those they make as NATO enhanced opportunity partners, are highly valuable. The United States, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway are committed to building on NATO’s enhanced opportunity partners’ framework in order to promote a close political dialogue and military cooperation between Finland and Sweden and NATO Allies (28+2). Through their overlapping memberships in NATO and the EU, the Nordic states, and the United States take measures to increase regional security that are mutually reinforcing and contribute substantially to stability in Europe. The Nordic countries and the United States strongly support closer cooperation between NATO and the EU, and consider new areas of practical cooperation between the two to be a priority for the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July. We share with the Baltic States an interest in strengthening the security and stability of the Baltic Sea region. The United States welcomes Nordic Defense Cooperation and intends to support its initiatives, including participation in training, exercises, and

Transcript of JOINT STATEMENT - Regjeringen.no · Denmark will redeploy F16 fighter jets, a C130J transport...

U.S.-NORDIC LEADERS’ SUMMIT

JOINT STATEMENT

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States reaffirm our deep

partnership based on shared fundamental values.

Democracy, the rule of law, gender equality, respect for human rights, and the

protection and equal treatment of all people without regard to race, ethnicity, religion,

sexual orientation or gender identity unite the Nordic countries and the United States

and serve as a natural basis for our cooperation. Transparency, accountability and

good governance, strong market economies, free trade, shared prosperity, open

space for civil society, and sustainable development are keys to political stability and

social well-being. We reaffirm our commitment to pursue these values and objectives

and to work together to encourage other countries to do the same.

Building on the U.S.-Nordic meeting in 2013 in Stockholm, today we have pledged to

deepen our cooperation on key international issues related to security and defense;

migration and refugees; climate, energy and the Arctic; and economic growth and

global development.

Security and Defense

The Nordic countries and the United States stress the importance of upholding the

European security order and the fundamental principles of international law. Our

countries are committed to strengthening investments in defense and military

capabilities, as well as in diplomacy and regional cooperation, commensurate with a

more challenging security environment. The Nordic countries greatly value the

United States' commitment to Europe and its security. NATO remains key to

transatlantic and European security, and the contributions of Sweden and Finland,

including those they make as NATO enhanced opportunity partners, are highly

valuable. The United States, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway are committed to

building on NATO’s enhanced opportunity partners’ framework in order to promote a

close political dialogue and military cooperation between Finland and Sweden and

NATO Allies (28+2). Through their overlapping memberships in NATO and the EU,

the Nordic states, and the United States take measures to increase regional security

that are mutually reinforcing and contribute substantially to stability in Europe. The

Nordic countries and the United States strongly support closer cooperation between

NATO and the EU, and consider new areas of practical cooperation between the two

to be a priority for the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July.

We share with the Baltic States an interest in strengthening the security and stability

of the Baltic Sea region. The United States welcomes Nordic Defense Cooperation

and intends to support its initiatives, including participation in training, exercises, and

2

creative frameworks that deepen regional ties and promote security. We commit to

improving our individual and collective capacity to withstand hybrid threats and to

leverage appropriate political, economic, and military tools to strengthen national and

regional resilience. In anticipation of the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Denmark and

Norway are prepared to join the United States in contributing to enhanced allied

forward presence. Concrete contributions will be developed in consultations with

NATO allies in preparation for the NATO Summit.

The United States and the Nordic countries share a firm conviction that there can be

no compromises over the international security order and its fundamental principles.

Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, which we do not

accept, its aggression in Donbas, and its attempts to destabilize Ukraine are

inconsistent with international law and violate the established European security

order. The United States and the Nordic countries reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s

sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Europe and the United States have reacted firmly to Russia's violations of

international law in Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia for its actions in eastern

Ukraine cannot be lifted until Russia fully implements its Minsk commitments. Our

Crimea-related sanctions are also to remain in force until Russia returns this territory

to Ukrainian control.

We expect the Ukrainian government to redouble efforts to adopt and implement

effective reforms. The United States and the Nordic countries will continue to assist

Ukraine actively in this effort. We strongly support the EU’s Eastern Partnership.

The United States and the Nordic countries are concerned by Russia’s growing

military presence in the Baltic Sea region, its nuclear posturing, its undeclared

exercises, and the provocative actions taken by Russian aircraft and naval vessels.

We call on Russia to ensure that its military maneuvers and exercises are in full

compliance with its international obligations and commitments to security and

stability. Our countries recognize the need for an appropriate dialogue with Russia to

be maintained to enhance transparency and reduce risk, and to address issues of

common concern, including the counter-ISIL campaign and ongoing efforts to

negotiate an end to the conflict in Syria.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to partnering together to

strengthen international security and address global issues beyond Europe. Global

stability requires determined steps to address the problems faced by fragile states

and to address the root causes of conflict and instability. We together recognize

Sweden's leadership on the International Dialogue for Peacebuilding and

Statebuilding and acknowledge that the world’s poorest and most vulnerable are

increasingly concentrated in fragile states. We reaffirm our shared commitment to

work together to promote resilient, democratic societies and to address the drivers of

state fragility. We share a long-term commitment to stabilization and development in

Afghanistan and are working to bolster the Afghan government and its security

3

forces, maintain international support for Afghanistan, and encourage the Taliban to

join a meaningful and inclusive peace process with the Afghan government.

Denmark will further strengthen its contribution to NATO's Resolute Support Mission

in Afghanistan to around 100 military personnel and has also decided to sustain its

financial support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces with $15 million

annually until 2020, setting a strong example for the international community heading

into the NATO Summit in Warsaw. Achieving a negotiated settlement to the war in

Syria is an immediate and pressing issue. The United States and the Nordic

countries have a common aim in stabilizing the situation in Mali and the Sahel region

as well as in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The long-term stability of the Middle

East requires that key players assume their responsibilities to make progress on

Middle East peace. The situation on the ground shows the urgent need for a

negotiated two-state solution, which remains the only way to achieve a sustainable,

long-term peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Norway, as chair of the Ad Hoc

Liaison Committee, will continue its efforts to support a sustainable Palestinian

economy as a critical component of a political solution.

Terrorism and violent extremism are major challenges for the international

community. The United States and the Nordic countries intend to work together to

counter these threats as well as to address their root causes. As members of the

Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, our collective aim is to degrade the capabilities of

and to defeat Da’esh. We confirm our continued engagement in all lines of effort in

the Coalition’s fight against Da’esh in Iraq and Syria and in advancing stabilization,

civilian support, and humanitarian aid in the region.

Denmark will redeploy F16 fighter jets, a C130J transport aircraft, and make

additional troop contributions, including special operation forces, for operations in

Iraq and Syria. Denmark will also support stabilization efforts in Iraq and Syria with at

least $40 million over the next three years, and has pledged $47 million in 2016 for

humanitarian relief in Syria. Finland is enhancing its contribution to Operation

Inherent Resolve in Iraq by providing up to 100 training staff in the fall of 2016.

Finland is committing $29 million for humanitarian relief in Syria in 2016. From the

beginning of the crisis, Finnish humanitarian assistance has amounted to more than

$120 million. Norway has stepped up its military contribution to the coalition against

ISIL, and will continue to train Iraqi soldiers and will deploy a contingent of around 60

soldiers that will provide training, advice and operational support to Syrian local

forces fighting ISIL. Norway has recently pledged $1.2 billion over 4 years in

humanitarian aid to Syria and has pledged $24 million to stabilization efforts,

including $3.1 million in 2016 for demining in Iraq. Sweden is contributing military

trainers in Iraq, has provided over $400 million in humanitarian aid to Iraq and Syria

since 2011, and has committed $200 million in development assistance to address

the Syrian crisis over 5 years. The US is leading the global coalition to counter ISIL

and is the largest contributor of stabilization and humanitarian assistance to Iraq and

Syria, most recently announcing an additional $155 million in humanitarian relief for

4

Iraq and contributing over $600 million for Syria, as announced at the recent London

Conference.

The United States and the Nordic countries will continue to work together, exchange

information, and share experiences on preventing and countering violent extremism.

Nordic and U.S. local officials and civil society leaders plan to exchange best

practices for local CVE programming. We encourage Nordic and U.S. cities to join

the Strong Cities Network in order to share their experiences and reach out to other

cities around the world. We also encourage youth to join the Youth Civil Activism

Network to find innovative ways to counter violent extremism.

Civilian support and stabilization in post-conflict countries must address the

humanitarian hazards posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Building on the U.S.-Norwegian Demining Initiative for Colombia, The United States

and Nordic countries commit to establishing a new U.S.-Nordic partnership to support

the removal of such weapons, making post-conflict communities safer and setting the

stage for recovery and development. The United States and Nordic countries

encourage other countries as well as private sector participants to join this new

partnership. Nordic countries commit to provide more than $13 million toward UXO

removal in Syria and Iraq, with a focus on efforts in Ramadi and other areas liberated

from ISIL.

Cyberspace issues, including cybersecurity, the application of international law and

norms in cyberspace, and Internet governance pose pressing and continuously

evolving challenges. We acknowledge that cyber threats undermine our collective

ability to use the Internet to bolster economic growth and development around the

world. In cyberspace, just as elsewhere, states have a special responsibility to

promote security, stability, and economic ties with other nations. In support of that

objective, we affirm that no state should conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled

theft of intellectual property, including trade secrets or other confidential business

information, with the intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or

commercial sectors. We also endorse the 2015 report of the UN Group of

Governmental Experts in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the

Context of International Security, affirm that existing international law, in particular the

UN Charter, applies to state conduct in cyberspace, and commit ourselves to the

view that all states should abide by voluntary and non-binding norms of responsible

state behavior in cyberspace during peacetime.

Major progress has been made in promoting crisis management – both military and

civilian – as highlighted by the Leaders' Summit on UN peacekeeping in September

2015. The United States and the Nordic countries intend to continue to engage in

making UN peace operations more effective, efficient and responsive, based on the

recommendations of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations.

Preventive action and peacebuilding are essential.

5

Women's full and meaningful participation in all aspects of social and political life is

key to sustainable peace, security and development. The Nordic countries and the

United States believe that gender equality and the empowerment of all women and

girls are important goals in their own right, as well as powerful instruments for

building human capacity and promoting social and political stability. The United

States and the Nordic countries will continue empowering women and highlighting

the importance of women’s active participation in conflict prevention and resolution,

peace processes, mediation, peacemaking, peacekeeping, humanitarian response,

and post-conflict reconstruction as set forth in UNSCR 1325 and its progeny. Both the

Nordic Women Mediators’ Network and the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military

Operations are valuable contributions. We reaffirm the importance of making all

efforts to prevent gender-based and sexual violence, to support victims, and to hold

perpetrators to account in order to redress the culture of impunity that often

surrounds such acts of violence. The United States and the Nordic countries

encourage partners to join the initiative Call to Action on Protection from gender-

based Violence in Emergencies, for which Sweden recently took over the

chairmanship from the United States. We are committed to strengthening the UN

Peace and Security Agenda.

Arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation are major areas for cooperation for

the United States and Nordic countries. Our countries are committed to working

together in promoting nuclear security, disarmament and non-proliferation. Building

on the achievements of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, the United States and the

Nordic countries intend to work together within the United Nations, the International

Atomic Energy Agency, INTERPOL, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism

and the Global Partnership to promote improvements in nuclear security and to

counter nuclear smuggling. We are committed to full implementation of UN Security

Council Resolution 1540 on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass

destruction to non-state actors. The United States and Nordic countries intend to

continue to show leadership toward minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium in

civilian applications. The destruction of Syria’s declared chemical weapons was an

important achievement in which cooperation between the United States, Denmark,

Finland, and Norway played a prominent role, and we continue to press Syria with

respect to omissions and discrepancies in its declaration. We share a common view

on the importance of implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran.

Norway contributed to the removal of Iran’s low-enriched uranium in December 2015.

The Nordic countries and the United States support the objectives set out in the

Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and commit to assist a number of developing

countries to meet their obligations under international health regulations, including by

developing and assisting with implementation of a national plan to achieve the

targets of the GHSA. In this regard, the United States will assist at least 31

countries, and Nordic Countries will collectively assist 10 countries. The United

States and Nordic Countries will also support Joint External Evaluations, developed

6

under the leadership of the United States and Finland, including by providing

technical and/or financial assistance.

The United States and the Nordic countries reaffirm our support for the UN and for

mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, as well as for the development of

peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations. The U.S.–Nordic Security Dialogue

continues to be an important forum for deliberations on these issues.

Migration and Refugees

Today the number of irregular migrants, refugees, and internally displaced people is

on a scale unprecedented since World War II. This is a global challenge requiring a

comprehensive and systematic response. The United States and the Nordic

countries commit to work together to meet urgent humanitarian needs and promote

solutions that deal with the root causes of irregular migration, address associated

challenges such as human smuggling and trafficking, and seek global solutions that

promote respect for the right to seek and attain asylum, taking into account regional

responsibility-sharing arrangements.

Legal pathways to immigration and orderly refugee resettlement are a superior

alternative to irregular migratory movements, and also reduce risks of discrimination

and abuse to members of more vulnerable groups such as older persons, persons

with disabilities, women, and children.

Nordic countries and the United States are world leaders in humanitarian response

and have historically taken in a large share of refugees. We intend to maintain our

humanitarian record and to advance measures to make the international

humanitarian response more effective, efficient and fully able to respond to today’s

challenges. Further, the United States is committed to working alongside Europe in

dealing with the global refugee and migration crisis and by addressing its root

causes. Support to the regions hardest affected by the refugee crisis is one of the

most effective components of a sustainable solution.

There is a clear link between forced displacements and the lack of good governance,

rule of law and respect for human rights. We emphasize the responsibility of states

to protect their populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing,

and war crimes.

There is a fundamental need to strengthen humanitarian response, to fashion a long-

term approach to managing migration and recurring and protracted crises and to

identify global solutions based on responsibility sharing and respect for international

human rights. The World Humanitarian Summit in May, the UN High-Level Meeting

on Addressing Large Scale Movements of Refugees and Migrants, and the U.S.-led

Leaders' Summit on Refugees in September are excellent opportunities for

addressing humanitarian challenges and irregular migration, and advancing concrete

and comprehensive solutions for vulnerable refugee populations.

7

Climate Change, Energy and the Arctic

The leaders recognize that climate change is one of the foremost challenges the

world is facing. No effort should be spared in making concrete progress domestically

and abroad over the coming decades by shifting to low carbon economies and

creating more resilient communities. The United States and the Nordic countries

acknowledge the foundational role energy plays in our economies and that energy

security is key for overall security.

Building on a history of collaboration, the United States and the Nordic countries

commit to strengthening European energy security and to join and implement the

Paris Agreement, accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, strengthen

adaptation efforts, especially in developing countries, protect and restore forests, and

continue to take science-based steps to protect the Arctic and its peoples.

Energy Security

The United States and the Nordic countries agree that a well-functioning, integrated

and efficient European energy market is important to producing economic prosperity

and energy security. Diversified supply sources and routes are a prerequisite for an

efficient energy market and the security of Europe’s energy supply. We support the

EU goal of increased diversification of supply sources and routes, increased

indigenous and sustainable production, greater levels of interconnection, and

enhanced energy efficiency. We also support the efforts of EU countries to further

improve the functioning of the market, including by establishing more infrastructure to

enhance the efficiency of the market and by developing a more effective regulatory

framework to promote energy security and support diversification of fuel types,

sources, and routes for energy imports. These steps are preconditions for energy

security, affordable energy and an effective climate policy in Europe.

Implementing the Paris Agreement

The leaders commit to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible. Norway,

Iceland, and the United States have committed to join the Paris Agreement this year,

building on more than 30 countries that have already joined or have committed to

taking necessary domestic steps with a view to joining this year. As countries

implement their respective Nationally Determined Contributions, they should strive to

formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development

strategies pursuant to the Paris Agreement.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to working with developing

country partners to assist in strengthening their adaptation and mitigation efforts. We

intend to make every effort to enhance the effectiveness of adaptation assistance by

coordinating support for adaptation planning and action in appropriate fora, including

the National Adaptation Plans Global Network. The United States and the Nordic

countries recognize the potential for the effects of climate change to exacerbate

8

conflict and fragility in vulnerable countries and share the view that foreign policy

instruments must contribute to addressing this challenge effectively. We commit to

prioritizing the prevention of compound risks stemming from climate fragility and to

better integrating consideration of those risks into foreign, defense, and development

policies, planning, and assistance programs.

The United States and the Nordic countries commit to provide leadership on climate

finance. Following the Paris Agreement, it is critical to scale up support to developing

countries to implement their respective Nationally Determined Contributions,

including by using public resources to mobilize robust increases in private capital.

The United States and the Nordic countries will also work together to inform robust

accounting for the use of international carbon markets, including a new offset

program under the UNFCCC, to ensure the environmental integrity and to avoid the

double counting of market-based mitigation actions.

Cooperation on Clean Energy

The world is facing a dual challenge: we need to meet the increased energy demand

following a growing population and economic growth and at the same time, we need

to reduce the emissions. A comprehensive change in the global energy system is

required in order to reduce emissions. The United States and the Nordic countries

will be at the forefront of efforts to develop cleaner energy systems, renewable

energy, including renewable fuels, increased energy efficiency and technologies for

cleaner energy production.

The leaders also intend to cooperate and use their influence in multilateral

development banks and international financial institutions to decrease their carbon

footprint by promoting an increase in their investments in renewable energy and

energy efficiency. We will also advocate for public-private partnerships and the

mobilization of private capital to finance climate investments and the transition to

clean energy, including clean energy systems and other instruments mentioned in the

Nordic declaration on innovative climate finance.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to promoting the aims of

the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation and to implement ambitious

energy transitions to accelerate the deployment of clean energy sources. In

particular, we intend to provide resources, and political support to establish a

multilateral secretariat, including a financial contribution of $1.3 million from

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and $1 million from the United States,

along with continued, extensive support for Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives and

campaigns.

Given the growing importance of offshore wind to their clean energy future, the

United States and several Nordic countries commit to collaborate to increase the

deployment of offshore wind in the United States and Europe. To formalize their

9

collaboration, the Government of Denmark and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy

Management are announcing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to

strengthen cooperation on offshore wind energy. The MOU highlights important

priorities for cooperation and information sharing between the countries related to

best practices for managing offshore wind, effective regulatory approaches,

protection of the environment, and strategies to encourage expansion of offshore

wind energy development. The MOU builds on ongoing U.S. engagement with

Denmark on offshore wind.

Enhancing Climate Action through International Fora

The United States and the Nordic countries intend to support enhanced climate

action by working together to achieve ambitious outcomes within international fora

such as the Montreal Protocol and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In particular, the United States and Nordic countries affirm their commitment to adopt

a Montreal Protocol HFC phasedown amendment in 2016, and intend to provide

additional support through the Protocol’s Multilateral Fund following adoption of an

amendment for its implementation. The United States and Nordic countries plan to

continue to support a range of activities that promote alternatives to

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with high global warming potential and to promote

greener technologies in all countries.

The leaders also express their strong commitment to work together and through the

ICAO to reduce international aviation’s climate impact by fostering technological

and operational advancements, development and deployment of sustainable

alternative jet fuels, and adopting a strong global market-based measure (GMBM)

to enable carbon neutral growth from 2020. They encourage world leaders to join

them in supporting adoption at ICAO’s fall 2016 Assembly of a GMBM that reflects

environmental integrity and avoids market distortion.

The United States and Iceland reaffirm their support for the Global Geothermal

Alliance launched during COP21 in Paris - a concerted effort by governments,

international agencies and the private sector to promote wider penetration of

geothermal in the global energy mix.

Combatting Methane Emissions The leaders reconfirm our commitment to combat methane emissions as part of our

commitment to implement the Paris Agreement, and in line with other international

commitments and national priorities, by ensuring each country has developed a

national methane reduction plan or otherwise identified and implemented enhanced

actions to significantly reduce our overall methane emissions, and by expanding

technical cooperation, where appropriate.. We are determined to continue to drive

down our oil and gas methane emissions, where applicable, through sound

regulation, climate targets, and voluntary initiatives. In particular, we strongly

10

encourage companies working within our countries to develop company-wide

methane reduction goals, and to join the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Oil

& Gas Methane Partnership. The Nordic countries welcome the announcement of

new U.S.-Canadian methane reduction goals from the oil and gas sector, and pledge

to keep their respective methane emissions from this sector at or below current

levels. The Nordic countries will also encourage other countries to join in this effort

and would support the development of a global methane emission goal for this

sector. We encourage other countries to do the same, and intend to communicate on

our progress through international fora, such as the CCAC, Global Methane Initiative

and the Arctic Council.

Collaboration on the Important Role of Forests

The Paris Agreement reflected the importance of forests and other lands in

addressing global climate change. The United States and the Nordic countries are

determined to cooperate to support and incentivize developing country forest

partners to conserve, restore and sustainably manage forests, as well as strengthen

their respective efforts to combat illegal logging and associated trade, thereby

contributing to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions by both

reducing forest emissions and enhancing sequestration. The United States and the

Nordic countries will also collaborate to facilitate private sector efforts to eliminate

deforestation from the production of commodities such as palm oil, pulp and paper,

cattle and soy. Today, the US and Norway are announcing that they will sign a joint

statement to reinforce their intention to enhance cooperation on Reducing Emissions

from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and sustainable landscapes. As

a signal of their commitment, this week the United States announced the first results

and a detailed action plan to reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in soils

and forests through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Building Blocks for

Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. Through this initiative, USDA committed to

reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon stored in forests and soils by

over 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2025.

Promoting Energy for All

The Nordic countries and the United States commit to further strengthen efforts to

achieve global access to sustainable, reliable, affordable and secure modern energy

for all, consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This work will

be pursued through a range of initiatives, including development support to

mechanisms which seek to unlock investments in sustainable energy, such as

through Power Africa as well as the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). We

also commit to work to further strengthen the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All)

initiative through support to the ongoing process of developing a new strategy for

SE4All and its implementation. In addition, the United States and the Nordic

countries intend to promote access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern

11

energy for all by encouraging the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies, promoting

renewable energies and fuels, and enhancing energy efficiency.

In sub-Saharan Africa alone, more than two-thirds of the population is without access

to power. To support a doubling of electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa the United

States and Nordic countries have expressed our support for the Power Africa

initiative and commit to work together to provide technical assistance, financing, and

other support to enable additional investment in energy projects throughout the

region. Since the launch of the Power Africa initiative in 2013, the Government of

Sweden has commited to catalyze investments of one billion dollars to Power Africa.

The commitment represents grants for distribution and transmission projects, and

guarantees and loans for renewable Power Africa projects. In December 2015,

Power Africa announced a new partnership with Norway, which aligns the collective

investments of the United States and Norwegian governments in renewable energy

and expands off-grid and mini-grid efforts. Through this partnership, Norway is

committing to bringing 1,500 MW online over a five-year period, contributing to Power

Africa's overall 30,000 MW electricity generation goal.

The Arctic

The United States, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

affirm our commitment to safeguarding the Arctic environment while providing

enhanced opportunities for sustainable development for all inhabitants of the Arctic,

including indigenous peoples.

The Arctic is rapidly changing and attracting global attention. It is a globally unique

region that provides livelihoods for its inhabitants, but is also one of the most

vulnerable regions to climate change. Rich with opportunities for transport, tourism,

energy, and innovation, the Arctic is characterized by close cooperation on a broad

range of issues between the United States and the Nordic Countries, together with

our Arctic partners Canada and Russia. Continuing to keep the Arctic region a zone

of peace and stability is at the heart of our efforts. We reaffirm the importance of

maintaining the Arctic region based on universally recognized principles of

international law including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea.

The Arctic Council celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, reaffirming its

commitment to cooperation and coordination on matters of common interest among

the Arctic States and indigenous peoples of the region. As the preeminent high-level

forum among the Arctic States, the Arctic Council has proven instrumental in

addressing new challenges and opportunities, while retaining a core focus on

environmental protection and sustainable development.

The United States and Nordic countries will continue to work actively in the Arctic

Council to ensure progress on shared priorities. The work of the current U.S.

12

chairmanship and subsequent Finnish and Icelandic chairmanships will be closely

coordinated to ensure effective progress on these priorities.

We will strengthen our work, both within the Arctic and globally, to address the

environmental challenges facing the region. We remain committed to managing the

region with an ecosystem-based approach, which balances conservation and

sustainable use of the environment. We are committed to the pursuit of international

and national climate change goals. We will work towards the highest global

standards, best international practice, and a precautionary approach, when

considering new and existing commercial activities in the Arctic, including oil and gas

operations.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to recognizing the rights of

the indigenous and local peoples and we reaffirm our commitment to the unique role

played by Arctic indigenous and local communities and their traditional and local

knowledge.

We will advance scientifically based protection and conservation of areas of

ecologically important marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats, taking into account

ecological resilience in a changing climate and national and global climate and

environmental goals. We are dedicated to promote the active involvement of the

people of the Arctic in the management and sustainable use of protected areas.

We are committed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Arctic, both

inside and outside the region, to strengthen Arctic research and transdisciplinary

science, and to encourage cooperation between higher education institutions and

society as well as synergies between science and traditional and local knowledge.

The Nordic countries welcome the White House Arctic Science Ministerial.

Jobs, Growth and Trade

Economic freedom, open markets, and free trade are fundamental to maintaining

prosperity and promoting welfare for our citizens. The Transatlantic economy is

strong, and will remain at the core of the global economy. Together, the United

States and the Nordic countries will continue to be a strong voice for open and

sustainable trade and investments, and in particular commerce that embraces

women's economic empowerment, innovation, and new technology. The Nordic

region is among the largest foreign investors in the United States.

Digitization and sustainable production have the potential to contribute to more

competitive economies and to strengthen our industrial sectors. The United States

and the Nordic countries will continue to show leadership in R&D, innovation,

digitization, the provision of platforms for new technology, and the launch of start-ups,

all of which create jobs, enhance competitiveness and pave the way for improving

our businesses and societies. Innovation is also central to targeting key challenges,

including climate change, health, gender inequality, and urbanization. Ultimately,

13

innovation is about finding ways to achieve sustainable growth and sustainable

societies. The United States and the Nordic countries will together promote

innovation, including through the Nordic Innovation House in Silicon Valley.

We share the view that the multilateral trade system is crucial for the global economy

and our intent is to work to bring the benefits of free trade and open economies to all.

The United States and the European Union are working to complete negotiations on

the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) in 2016. We also look

forward to exploring ways to bolster trade and investment among the United States,

Norway, and Iceland. Deepening transatlantic ties through trade and investment is in

our economic as well as our strategic interests. The conclusion of an ambitious and

comprehensive agreement would lower barriers, create opportunities for small

businesses, and boost economic growth and job creation through exports in the

United States and Europe. It would also benefit the global economy and further

increase economic integration.

The United States and the Nordic countries have committed to promote productive

employment and decent work as key elements to spreading the benefits of

globalization and reducing poverty. We are resolved, in line with the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development, to reduce inequality within and among countries. Rising

inequalities have a negative impact on current and potential growth. We also

recognize that promoting gender equality and increasing women’s labor market

participation rates are important elements of sustainable growth.

The Nordic countries and the United States have always enjoyed intensive people-to-

people contacts and exchanges. We share a joint desire to boost these contacts

further and to enhance collaboration in innovation, higher education and research.

Global Development and Humanitarian Assistance

2015 marked a pivotal year for global development. World leaders from more than

190 countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which sets out

a global development vision and priorities for the next 15 years, and adopted the

Paris Agreement, the most ambitious climate change agreement in history.

Sustainable global development is fundamental for peace and prosperity, and is

inseparable from democracy, human rights and good governance.

We are fully committed to support the global effort to achieve the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). The United States and the Nordic

Countries reaffirm the universality of the 2030 Agenda, and commit to implementing

it, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Addis Ababa Action

Agenda, both domestically and internationally. The United States and the Nordic

Countries also commit to continue to work together, and individually, to support the

efforts of developing countries to reach the new Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs), including by enhancing developing countries’ ability to mobilize and

14

effectively use their domestic resources and to attract private sector investment for

sustainable development.

To protect development gains and respond to urgent humanitarian needs, the Nordic

countries and the United States intend to maintain a high-level of humanitarian

assistance, including in response to drought, floods and other climatic shocks

exacerbated or induced by the El Nino and the La Nina phenomena, with special

emphasis on the needs of women and girls and vulnerable groups within any affected

population.

Gender equality is a central human right and a development issue. The United States

and the Nordic Countries have a longstanding commitment to promote gender

equality and the empowerment of women and girls, particularly adolescent girls

around the world who are held back from reaching their full potential. We will support

efforts to ensure that adolescent girls are provided opportunities to continue their

education. We will continue to promote the empowerment of women and girls by

enhancing representation and opportunity especially through global education and

health, as well as advancing and protecting their health and their sexual and

reproductive rights. Additionally, reducing the barriers to education - such as lack of

access, early pregnancy, the contraction of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, as well as

harmful practices such as early and forced marriage and female genital

mutilation/cutting – is critical to advancing the shared foreign policy, security and

development priorities of the United States and Nordic countries.

Universal human rights belong to all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or

gender identity. The United States and the Nordic countries will work together in

multilateral fora and at the national level to promote the protection of LGBTI people,

ensuring that they can enjoy the same rights as everyone else.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to high levels of

development cooperation, and intend to work to catalyze further private investments

for sustainable development.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to leading by example to

fight corruption and promote transparency and accountability. We will support

countries in efforts to combat illicit financial flows and help build capacity for civil

society to aid in the fight against corruption. Tax evasion and corruption undermine

development and drain public resources, and are fundamental development issues.

As an important part of financing for development, the United States and Nordic

countries will work together to support the Addis Tax Initiative and we will support

developing countries in their efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilization,

including through enhanced taxation and new efforts to combat tax evasion.

The relationship between the United States and the Nordic countries runs deep. Our

nations share a history of extensive societal ties that firmly bind us together. Through

15

these strong personal and institutional bonds we will continue to promote our

common commitment to freedom, democracy, universal human rights, and peace.